Comprehensive coagulation profiling in patients with iCoagLab using 3D passive microfluidic cartridges (Conference Presentation)

For patients at high risk of bleeding during complex cardiac interventions, conventional coagulation testing takes too long to return leading to challenges in managing hemostasis. The iCoagLab optical coagulation profiler, we have recently developed, utilizes just 25µL of whole blood to deliver complete coagulation profiling in patients within 10 minutes. In this investigation we improve the ease and speed that these tests can be performed by designing, fabricating and testing 3D printed passive mixing elements to deliver for rapid mixing of reagents. Excellent microfluidic mixing efficacy is confirmed by comparing iCoagLab coagulation parameters obtained using microfluidic cartridges with conventional laboratory tests and manual pre-mixing. This work will likely enable comprehensive coagulation profiling at the point-of-care to detect life-threatening bleeding rapidly. Ultimately, we believe this will allow clinicians to minimize and even mitigate the risk bleeding during complex cardiac procedures resulting in better patient outcomes.